LA CRUZADA RESTAURANT
331 PARK PL, Homestead FL 33030 · 305 242 6240
Last inspected Jan 5, 2026 · 10 visits since July 2023
AUG 24
FEB 25
JUN 25
OCT 25
JAN 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between C and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Observed multiple employees begin handling clean equipments. No handwash. Coached manager.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $200
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1--2025029748 | Mar 3, 2025 | May 14, 2025 | $200 |
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
Jan 5, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 17 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate12 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 17 findingsThe state's own report →
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Observed multiple employees begin handling clean equipments. No handwash. Coached manager.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed cooked steak (46F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler near exit door. As per manager, made the night before. Observed cooked pork (45F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler near exit door. As per manager, made the night before.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked steak (46F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler near exit door. As per manager, made the night before. Observed cooked pork (45F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler near exit door. As per manager, made the night before.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed handwashing sink used for dirty dishes. Coached manager.
Show the remaining 13 findings ▾
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed on dry food and dish racks.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed slow draining employee open water bottle stored near clean utensils.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor soiled at dry storage area.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed multiple tiles in disrepair throughout the kitchen.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed at reach in cooler near steam table. Observed at reach in cooler across walk in cooler. Observed at reach in cooler in the lobby area. Coached manager.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets in reach in cooler outside of walk in.
Open dumpster lid. Manager closed lid
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in reach in coolers.
Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Observed slow draining water at handwash sink near to go window.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed in kitchen area.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed yellow wet wiping cloth stored at cook line across steam table.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed container of rice and floor not identified by common name. Manager labeled products.
Oct 21, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed dry food and dish rack shelves soiled.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed on dry food and dish racks.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed in kitchen.
No copy of latest inspection report available. Observed no copy on site.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets in reach in cooler outside of walk in.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in reach in coolers.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed in kitchen area.
Oct 20, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 15 recorded, 6 high priority.
6 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed triple sink with chlorine sanitizer; under 50 ppm. Inspector had operator place more chlorine in sink. Final reading: 100 ppm.
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed in walk in: beans (52F - Cooling); rice (53F- Cooling); salsa cooked (47F - Cooling). As per operator, made the night before.
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. Observed in walk in: beans (52F - Cooling); rice (53F- Cooling); salsa cooked (47F - Cooling). As per operator, made the night before.
Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Observed food in to go plastic bags from grocery store in reach in cooler in storage area.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw fish stored above fries and tortillas in reach in cooler in back storage area. Operator fixed during inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in kitchen area: rice (82F - Hot Holding). As per operator, less than 1 hour prior to inspection. Inspector had employees take to stove to be reheated.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed dry food and dish rack shelves soiled.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed on dry food and dish racks.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed 2 employee beverages next to steam table. Operator removed items during inspection.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed in kitchen.
Food stored on floor. Observed near mop sink; tomatoes stored on floor under prep table.
No copy of latest inspection report available. Observed no copy on site.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets in reach in cooler outside of walk in.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in reach in coolers.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed in kitchen area.
Jun 6, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 11 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed bread stored on to go bags on shelves at walk in cooler, operator start changing bags during inspection.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed cooked yellow rice (46F - Cold Holding) as per operator over 24 hours, at walk in cooler. Operator discarded during inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked yellow rice (46F - Cold Holding) as per operator over 24 hours, at walk in cooler. Operator discarded during inspection.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed container stored inside hand wash sink next to 3 compartment sink. Operator removed during inspection.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed on rice container by dry storage, employee removed during inspection.
Food stored on floor. Observed limes and jalapeños container stored on walk in cooler floor, employee stored properly during inspection.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets on units across cook line.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed on units across next to 3 compartment sink.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed cooked chicken (39F - Cold Holding) on shelves at preparation area, as per employee less than 1 hour, employee moved cooked chicken to walk in cooler floor.
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Observed unwashed avocados stored above cooked yellow rice at walk in cooler, operator stored properly.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed at kitchen area.
Mar 3, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 4 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observe cooked beans (48F - Cold Holding); cooked tripe (48F - Cold Holding); pork soup (47F - Cold Holding); cooked yellow rice (51F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (45F - Cold Holding) at walk in cooler, as per operator over 24 hours. Operator segregated food to be discarded. Also observe cooked pork (48F - Cold Holding); cooked tripe (49F - Cold Holding) on unit by back door, Operator segregated food to be discarded.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observe cooked beans (48F - Cold Holding); cooked tripe (48F - Cold Holding); pork soup (47F - Cold Holding); cooked yellow rice (51F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (45F - Cold Holding) at walk in cooler, as per operator over 24 hours. Operator segregated food to be discarded. Also observe cooked pork (48F - Cold Holding); cooked tripe (49F - Cold Holding) on unit by back door, Operator segregated food to be discarded.
Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. Observed grease accumulation on hood filters.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw steak (frozen) container on standing water at kitchen area, employee discarded water and moved to walk in cooler for proper thawing procedure.
Feb 25, 2025Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 13 recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee changing gloves without washing their hands, Inspector coached employee on proper procedures.
Metal stem-type thermometer soiled.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored above shredded cheese on reach in cooler at front counter, employee stored properly during inspection.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observe cooked beans (48F - Cold Holding); cooked tripe (48F - Cold Holding); pork soup (47F - Cold Holding); cooked yellow rice (51F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (45F - Cold Holding) at walk in cooler, as per operator over 24 hours. Operator segregated food to be discarded. Also observe cooked pork (48F - Cold Holding); cooked tripe (49F - Cold Holding) on unit by back door, Operator segregated food to be discarded.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observe cooked beans (48F - Cold Holding); cooked tripe (48F - Cold Holding); pork soup (47F - Cold Holding); cooked yellow rice (51F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (45F - Cold Holding) at walk in cooler, as per operator over 24 hours. Operator segregated food to be discarded. Also observe cooked pork (48F - Cold Holding); cooked tripe (49F - Cold Holding) on unit by back door, Operator segregated food to be discarded.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed degreaser spray bottle not labeled by employees bathroom.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed on salt container at kitchen area, employee removed during inspection.
Food stored on floor. Observed cooked tomatoes container stored on kitchen floor, employee moved container from floor and stored properly.
Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. Observed grease accumulation on hood filters.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at kitchen area, next to 3 compartment sink.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets in unit at front counter.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed on unit across flat grill at kitchen area.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw steak (frozen) container on standing water at kitchen area, employee discarded water and moved to walk in cooler for proper thawing procedure.
Aug 17, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 6 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed rice (49 F - Cold Holding); beef (50 F - Cold Holding); goat soup (47 F - Cold Holding)inside the walk in cooler. Foods were cooked on 8/14 and 8/15. Stoop sale was issued.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed rice (49 F - Cold Holding); beef (50 F - Cold Holding); goat soup (47 F - Cold Holding)inside the walk in cooler. Foods were cooked on 8/14 and 8/15. Stoop sale was issued. Also observed raw chicken inside the reach in cooler located at the kitchen area at 47. Employee placed chicken inside the walk in cooler. Also observed beef (48 F - Cold Holding); chicken (48 F - Cold Holding); cheese (47 F - Cold Holding)inside the reach in cooler located at the front counter. As per employee foods were placed around 9:00 am this morning. Employee placed foods inside the reach in freezer.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed metal containers stored by the kitchen area. Employee was coached how to properly air dried utensils.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gasket torn.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed at the front counter and also in reach in cooler located in the kitchen area.
Aug 16, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority0 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed rice (49 F - Cold Holding); beef (50 F - Cold Holding); goat soup (47 F - Cold Holding)inside the walk in cooler. Foods were cooked on 8/14 and 8/15. Stoop sale was issued.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed rice (49 F - Cold Holding); beef (50 F - Cold Holding); goat soup (47 F - Cold Holding)inside the walk in cooler. Foods were cooked on 8/14 and 8/15. Stoop sale was issued. Also observed raw chicken inside the reach in cooler located at the kitchen area at 47°. Employee placed chicken inside the walk in cooler. Also observed beef (48 F - Cold Holding); chicken (48 F - Cold Holding); cheese (47 F - Cold Holding)inside the reach in cooler located at the front counter. As per employee foods were placed around 9:00 am this morning. Employee placed foods inside the reach in freezer.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a plastic container used as scoop inside the salt. Employee removed it,
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed reach in cooler at the front counter it is not working properly, All foods inside were out of temperature. As per employee foods were placed inside around 9:00 am. Employee placed foods inside the walk in cooler.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed an employee purse stored above food in cooling process. Employee removed the purse.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed metal containers stored by the kitchen area. Employee was coached how to properly air dried utensils.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gasket torn.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed at the front counter and also in reach in cooler located in the kitchen area.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed a container with salt not identified. Employee labeled the salt.
Feb 9, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a plastic container used as scoop. Employee removed it.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed 3 cutting boards not longer cleanable.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gaskets torn.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water.observed at the kitchen at the back.
Food stored on floor. Observed food stored on the floor inside the walk in cooler. Employee removed it.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container.observed a plastic container not stored above food.
Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Observed insect control device stored above preparation table. Employee removed it.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gasket soiled.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed a container with salt not identified. Employee labeled the salt.
Jul 7, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed pork (47 F - Cold Holding) stored insude the walk in cooler. As per operator pork was cooked yesterday.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed pork (47 F - Cold Holding) stored inside the walk in cooler. As per operator pork was cooked yesterday.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a plastic bowl used as scoop inside the container with rice. Operator removed it.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed 2 cutting boards no longer cleanable at the kitchen area.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed a cell phone above preparation table at the back area.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed a plastic bowl in touch with the rice. Operator removed it.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled.
This record follows the licence, not the owner. Restaurants change hands and the licence history normally does not, so an older entry may describe people who no longer run the place. Every inspection above links to the state's own report. Something wrong? Tell us.